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Copy 1 BIENNIAL REPOKT 



CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY 



TO THE 



GOYEENOE OF ILLINOIS 



SPRINGFIELD : 

BAKER & PHILLIPS, PRINTERS. 
1863. 



J 



BIENNIAL REPORT 



CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



/ 



GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS. 



SPRINGFIELD: 

BAKER & PUILLIPS, PRINTERS, 

. J 

1863. 



REPORT 



To IIis Excellency, Richard Yates, 

Governor^ etc^: 

Sir: — nl compliance with a lavr passed by the Lcgislalnre of Illinois, in 
1860, granting to the Chicago Historical Society iil'ty copies of all publi- 
cations of the State, on certain conditions — among which, it was required 
that the Society should communicate, biennially, an account of its trans- 
actions, for the information of the people of the State — I have the 
honor, in the Society's behalf, and by its direction, to submit to your 
Excellency the following 

r; E p R T : 

V 

This Society was organized at Chicago, April 24th, 1856., and re- 
ceived its charter from the State^ February 7th, 1857. Its objects, as 
expressed in its constitution, are — 

" 1. To encourage historical inquiry, and spread historical informa- 
tion, especially within the State of Illinois, and also within the entire 
territory of the JS^orthwest — to embrace, alike, their aboriginal and 
modern history. 

" 2. The particular objects of this association shall be : First, the estab- 
lishment of a library of boohs and publications, ap])ropriate to such an 
institution, with convenient works of reference, and also a cabinet of 
antiquities, relics, etc. Second, the collection, into a sale and perma- 
nent depository, of manuscripts, documents, papers and tracts, possess- 
ing an historical value and worthy of preservation. Third, to encour- 
age investigation of aboriginal remains, and, more particularly, to pro- 
vide for the complete exploration and survey of such aboriginal monu- 
ments as exist within the limits of this State, and at the earliest day. 
Fourth, to collect and preserve such historical materials, as shall serve 
to illustrate the settlement and growth of the city of Chicago." 

It w\is deemed fortunate for the Society, that it possessed, as its first 
President, (who but recently resigned his place,) a gentleman, (Mr. Wil- 
liam H. Brown,) an early citizen of this State, well known and esteemed, 
and conversant with the men and the events most conspicuoufi in our 
State history. 

Without assistance from other sources than the liberality of its mem- 
bers, tliis Society has pursued its labors, for more than six years ; and 



notwitlistaTKllng tlie financial reverses, so severe and accnmulatinof, 
which have depressed the energies of our people, since the year 1857, 
it has steadily pursued its labors for the public good; with what results, 
will appear from the following statements '. 

THE LIJ5KAKY. 

The first aim of this institution was to gather in the primar}'- materi- 
als of Illinois and American history. To this end it has directed its 
chief efforts. Its aim has been, to bring together — 1st, all the publica- 
tions of the Federal Government, from its first establishment. Although 
its collections in this department, are yet incomplete, they already com- 
prise a v,ery extensive library ; commencing with the journals of the Con- 
tinental Congress, and including the most important documents since 
published. For these it has been largely indebted to the family of the 
late Hon. Jesse B. Thomas, the late Hon. S. A. Douglas, and Hon. I. 
jST. Arnold, and to the liberality of the Federal authorities at Washington, 
— 2d, the society has sought to bring together in its library, the docu- 
jnents of the several states, from the earliest colonial periods— more es- 
pecially their session lav^s, believed to be the proper and true exponents 
of American ideas and institutions. Their success in this direction may 
be inferred from the facts, that they already possess the entire laws of 
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; those of Virginia, for two hundred 
years from its first planting ; those of Maryland, to 1812 ; those of New 
"Jersey, to the Revolutionary war; those of Kentucky, from 1792 to 
1815 ; and of the new states of the West, nearlj' entire ; with much of 
states not designated. 

Besides the materials of the political history of the country at large, 
the Society has especially esteemed the historial and documentary ma- 
terials of our own State — so rare, so little cared for, so seldom pre- 
served. By personal visits of its agents, and by the liberality of in- 
dividuals, among whom may be named the family of the late Col. 
Mather, the Hon. D. J. Baker, Robert Blackwell, Esq., W. H. Brown, 
Esq., tlie late Major Charles W. Hunter, of Alton, and numerous 
others, the Society already possess an amount of historical material, in- 
cluding much in manuscript, rescued from the accidents which too often 
destroy such relics of the past, which is probably unequaled elsewhere. 
It includes files of the earliest newspapers of Southern Illinois, at Shaw- 
neetown, Yandalia," Edwardsville and Springfield — early documents 
of the Territory and State (not yet complete,) and numerous political 
and other pamphlets and publications. The Society's library also in- 
cludes the literature of each religious denomination, designed to afford 
the fullest information on the religious development of our country ; 
with works of science, agriculture, benevolence, and general literature, 
in their multifarious departments. A complete analysis of a library so 
comprehensive as this cannot be attempted. The following table will 
exhibit the Society's collections, since its first establishment : 

* This Society possesses a bound volume of the " Illinois Intelligencer" — 1820 to 1823 — 
the esteemed gift of W. H. Brown, Esq. 



Bound books 

Unbound pamphlets 

Kare newspap.TS 

Files of periodicals 

Files of newspapers 

Mups and charts 

Prints 

Manuscripts 

Collections of miscellanies. 
Cabinet 



Total 



To Oct 
1856. 



390 

717 

19 



No\'er 
1857. 



*3,576 

5,555 

67 

14 

455 

119 



1,189^ 9,820 



1858. 



*2,369 
5,025 



1,235 
4,905 



7,97ol 6,297 



1860. 



1,158 
6,056 



7,893 



1861. 



1,416 

9,622 

95 

310 
188 
185 
43 
148 



12,018 



1862. 



l,68f 

10,23! 

4' 

617 

1 

78 

47 

150 

23 



13.026 



Total. 



11,824 

42,113 

280 

1,376 

972 

989 

114 

481 

35 

29 

58,213 



It ma}^ be remcarked, that the above collection includes numerous 
select works on American history, such as the rare works of llakluyt, 
Pnrchas, GrynoBus, Laet, Montanus, Ilerrera, etc. ; the extensive 
" Yoyao-es " by Churchill, Harris, La Harjie and Pinkerton ; a valuable 
series oV ancient maps, charts, etc., from 1555 to 1775, with others 
specially illustrating the progress of discovery in Illinois and the 
Northwest, including the map of Marquette, and the important one of 
Franquelin of Quebec, in 1688. Especially esteemed are the "Jesuit 
Eelations" and " Lettres Edifiontes," with a succession of other ma- 
terials printed from the originals in Paris, illustrating the settlement 
and civilization of the Lake region. It is believed that in the above, a 
foundaiion is already laid by this Society sufficient to reward inquiry, 
and to encourage a fair hope for the future. 

THE HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

A brief review of the Society's labors for Illinois history may suffice 
to indicate their scope and promise. That history is naturally divisible 
into two eras — the ancient and modern — the ancient itself comprising 
the two-fold history of the " Mound-builders " and the known historical 
race of " Indians," still existing. 



THE MOUNDS. 

Of the vast groups of mounds, often gigantic in size, elaborate in 
figure and arrangement, and indicative of an early advancement in 
astronomical and geometrical knowledge, which border the streams 
and crown the elevations of our State, little is yet known. Even of 
their extent, magnitude and scientific value, but little is yet apprehended, 
beyond the imperfect notices contained in the invaluable " Smithsonian 
Contributions" to our American archfeology. Besides collecting much 
information as to the localities, extent and character of these mysteri- 
ous remains of a far distant past, this Society has had the esteemed 
assistance of a learned and experienced gentleman — Col J. D. Graham, 
of the United States Topographical Corps— who executed, for its collec- 

* The number of bound books obtained in 1857 and 1358 was enlarged bv purchase ; since 
1858, the amount expended in purchase haa been inconsiderable. 



tions, an admirable survey and plat of a large group of mounds near 
Albany, on the Mississippi river, besides securing information of a 
general character of much value.* 

Without attempting any theory on the subject of these relics of an 
unknown age and people, it should suffice to move us to care for, guard 
and rescue them from impending destruction, that they are the sole 
remains of that age and people^ our predecessors, in the occupation of 
this rich and vast domain. In the opinion of a competent judge, (Mr. 
H. R. Schoolcraft,) the ancient earth-works of this State, especially in 
Southern Illinois, are of unsurpassed interest and scientific value. To 
no private hand, to no association, can we look for their complete survey, 
which can only be efficiently executed under the, authority and direc- 
tion of the State authorities. Is it too late to associate this important 
service to science with the geological survey of the State, now in progress? 

The Society would urgently commend to the Legislature and the 
people of Illinois, the earliest provision for the recovery and safety of 
these sole traditions of a by-gone race, already fast disappearing under 
the plow, or becoming marred by idle or wanton hands. It would be 
a lasting reproach upon our intelligence and respect for the past, that 
these solemn mementos, which time and the elements and human pas- 
sions for ages have reverentially spared, should be permitted to disap- 
pear in an age and among a people of modern civilization, without one 
attempt to rescue them from premature obliteration and utter ruin.f 

THE ILLINOIS INDIANS. 

Illinois, proud of the grandeur, the fertility, tlie inexhaustible resources 
of its splendid territory,:}; should not forget that its very name, embody- 
ing an empire, holding forth an incalculable destiny, links it with the 
race it supplanted. Boasting, once, its twenty thousand warriors,§ 
there are those living, who have seen to wdiat leggarly elements the 
Illinois nation was reduced, a half century since, wdien a few hundreds 
of men, w^omen and children, gathered about the rude capital at Kas- 
kaskia, to clutch the periodical bounty of the people who had supplanted 
them, to be squandered, alas ! for their yet deeper debasement. || 

* The " l/ird-shafjod," " turtle," and other known forms of mound?, are common in Illinois. 
The " pyramidal" are sometimes gigantic, as in the " Monk's Mound," on the "American 
Bottom," near Illinois Citj-. Mounds for "defense" are frequent, and sometimes of rare in- 
terest, as partially formed of stone-work. The mounds of Ilock river are particularly remark- 
able for their extent, number, arrangement and position — some many hundred feet in length. 

•j- It is "worthy of notice that the ancient earth-works, etc., of Wisconsin, have been fully 
surveyed by Mr. I. A. Lapham, under the auspices of the American Antiquarian Society, 
and the report printed by the Smithsonian Institution. 

X Marquette says: "I never saw a more beautiful country than we found on this river, (the 
Illinois.") Louis. His. Coll., pp 2, 294. 

§ Coxe, Louis. Ilis. Coll., p 231 : The Abbe Raynal says, (p 158:) "The Illinois had but 
2,000 souls, at the period of French occupation." Marquette says: " They are assembled in 
two towns, containing more than eight or nine thousand souls." Shea. F. Membre says: 
"The only great village had seven or eight thousand souls. Illinois of the Rock (near Ot- 
tawa,) had four hundred men." 

[| Intelligent missionaries express the opinion that all the Indians have received, in ex- 
change for their l.uids, has served "to retard rather than to promote their civilization." 
Miss. Herald Dec, 1849, etc. 



And yet the powerful and populous tribes of the Illinois were no 
mean people. With a succession of principal chiefs, bearin*:^, according 
to Bossu, the name of "Chikagou,"* the chief of the "Tumaroa8,"t 
they long ruled over our prairies, until the fearful warriors of the " Six 
Nations " desolated their tribes, even while the devoted French mis- 
sionaries were lifting the crucifix, and chanting holy services, and seal- 
ing their children with the baptism of the cross. Unlike the Ameri- 
can Indian, they wero gentle, genial and hospitable. The ferocity of 
their enemies triumphed over their gentleness and simplicity4 

Shall such a race, hardly now known but by a few miserable relics 
in the far distant " Indian Reservation " in the West, be forgotten by 
us? Will not some industrious hands yet gather in even the traditions 
of those who so lately ruled here ; and if nothing more, garner their 
names, identify their haunts, and illustrate ,tlie beautiful names they 
have bequeathed to our lakes, our rivers, and various localities? 

It may interest the people of Illinois to know that this Society has 
collected from two to three hundred volumes, illustrating the history of 
the American Indians, including those of the Northwest. It possesses 
a valuable unpublished memoir of the " Sac and Fox " Indians, by 
Thomas Forsyth, an Indian agent, long since deceased ; besides manu- 
script papers on the Indian dialects. It has also sought to collect from 
various localities the very names of Indians known to have lived here, 
and would gratefully receive any contributions of similar information 
or material. 

MODERN niSTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

The modern history of Illinois naturally divides itself into three 
periods. The^;'6'^ extending from its primary discovery by Marquette, 
embracing its settlement by the French and its incorporation with the 
colony of Louisiana, of which it constituted (as Northern Louisiana,) a 
distinct military department, with civil jurisdiction — this period closing 
with the cession to Great Britain of the territory in 1763 — a period of 
ninety years. 

2. The second period extends from the last named, including the 
subjugation of Illinois to the United Colonies, by George Rogers Clarke; 
its subsequent incorporation under the government of Ohio and In- 
diana, and closing with the establishment of a Territorial Government, 
in 1809 — a period of about forty-nine years. 

3. The third comprehends the historical events from 1809, with the 
organization of a State government, in 1818, to the present time — a 
period of fifty-three years. 

*The name of Chikrtgou was given on maps to tlic present "Chicngo river;"' also, by F. 
Membre to the "Dcs Plaines," as tlie " Chicago or Divine river." The Mississippi river was 
called by Coxe the " Chucagua;" also, on the map of Sanson, 1696. 

\ Hennepin places the location of the Tamaroas " six or seven h-agucs below the mouth of 
the Illinois river." 

t F. Marest says: "The Pouteauitamis n.rii brutal and gross, -vihWc the Illinois are mild 
a.nd affable." Kip.j p 223. De Callieres says : "Thobcst allies wc have among the Indians 
are the Illinois." N. Y. Paris Doc, p 249. 



PERIOD OF FKENCH OCCrPATION. 

This was a period of adventure, traffic, settlement and war, in which 
figure the names of Marquette, LaSalle, Tonti,^'^ La Foret, Durantaye, 
and the heroic missionaries of France. Tlie forts, trading-posts and 
missionary stations — few indeed — at Cliicago, Ottawa, Peoria, Cahokia 
and Kaskaslvia, gathered rude and scanty settlements, doing more, per- 
haps, to barbarize the colonist, than to christianize the savage.f Yet 
had they their place and work ; and even now, tradition pictures the 
simple scenes of these primeval settlements as a "terrestrial paradise," 
with song and dance, the vine-decked cottage and the genial harmony of 
the village-life of the unsophisticated colonists. 

Until the colonization of Louisiana, Illinois was under the Canadian 
autliorities. The terrors of the " Six Nations" and the sad fate of La- 
Salle, calling forth the noble and generous energy of Tonti, with the 
cruel martyrdom of peaceful and devoted missionaries, amidst the horrid 
barbarities of savage war, render this period one of tragic interest. 
Happily this Society possesses extensive sources for its illustration, with 
that of a later period ; although much, it is believed, yet remains un- 
published in the collections at Paris, deserving our recovery. Pains 
have already been taken, thus far without success, for its acquisition. ;{: 

On the establishment of the Colony of Louisiana,§ Illinois, with Yin- 
cennes, in Indiana, was brought under its jurisdiction, as Northern Lou- 
isiana — Fort Chartres,jj in Illinois, being the commanding post. This 
fort, according to Bossu, was rebuilt about 1Y53, by /Saussier, a French 
engineer, whose descendents yet live in the Mississippi valley. It was 

* Justice has not yet been rendered in Illinois to Tonti — the brave, the generous. He was 
in "great favor with the Illinois Indians" — (N. Y. Paris Doc., p 2'76.) Gov. Denonville says, 
"I cannot sufEcicntly praise his zeal, etc. He is a lad of great enterprise and boldness, who 
undertakes a great deal" — (Ibid., p 300.) His bold and hazardous attempt to discover 
the fate of LaSalle covers his name with honor. There was a Siour de Tonti, the younger, a 
reduced Captain. — (Potherie III, S09.) Bougy succeeded Tonti, who succeeded LaSalle, in 
Illinois. 

•j- " The Canadians in Illinois destroyed, by their libertine life among the Indian women, all 
that the foreign missionaries and others teach them of the mysteries of religion" — (Hist, de 
Louis, I'ZOS, p 85.) 

X The history of the Jesuit missions in the Northwest merits the best labor of the historian. 
After Marquette was F. AUonez, in Illinois, in 1676, in 168Y — also 1689, and died 1690 ; then 
F. Membre, who perished in Ft. St. Louis; F. Gabriel, killed 1680; F. Anastuse, who left 
1688; F. Louis; F. Gravier, at Kaskaskia, 1693; F. Rebourde; F. F. Bineteau and Binet; F. 
Varlet, 1712 to 1718 ; F. de Ville, 1711, at Kaskaskia and Peoria; F. Marmot, at Kaskaskia; 
F. Guignes, 1728, among the Sioux; in Illinois, 1729; F. Doutreieau, 1730; the Abbe Mer- 
cier, at Cahokia, 1754; the Abbe Gugnen, Chaplain at Fort Chartres, 1752. F. Marest wais 
at Kaskaski:!, 1712— F. Senac, probably in Illinois, 1736— (Ibid., p 331.) 

§ In 1712, Crozat received a charter of the territory from Carolina to Illinois — (Ibid., p 94.) 
In 1718 Louisiana passed from Crozat to the "Company of the Indies" — (Ibid., p 160.) In 
1714 "the Wabash and the Illinois were the only sources of grain." The ecclesiastical juris- 
diction was at Quebec. Illinois was a department of Louisiana, 1721 — (Ibid., p 184.) In 1723 
" the Jesuits" had the charge of Wabash and the Illinois, and churches and chapels were or- 
dered to be built, the colonists having worshipped before " around crosses, in the open field" — 
(Ibid., p 195.) As early as 1691, Fort St. Louis, in Illinois, was called " of Louisiana" — (N. Y. 
Paris Doc, p 511.) 

II Fort Chartes was first built, 1718. The new fort Mas commenced, 175? — (Bossu.) "A 
factory, or stone house, was constructed there about 1719. This Society possesses an account 
of the condition of the fort, as seen by Mr. Lusk, of Edwardsville, in 1802. 



constructed^ of hewn stone, beveled, and was the most finished and elab- 
orate fortification west of the AUeghanies, as its remaiuG still bear 
witness. 

The l;istory of this period is the record often of bloody war with the 
Indian tribes, and enrols among the Governors of the territory, or its 
forts, the names of the unfortunate d'Artaguette, (killed in 1730.) Buis- 
sonnierc, Macarty, (an Irishman.) Boisbriant, Montcharvauc, Volsei, 
Adamville and Favent. During this period the rich products of Illinois 
flowed down the Mississippi, until 1763, when the cession to Great 
Britain of the French colonies, caused the removal of many of the colo- 
nists, including the religious establishment at Kaskaskia, to the west of 
the Mississippi river — then under Spanish and Catholic government. 

The invaluable letters of Bossu, and the report of Pitman, Avith the 
missionary correspondence of the Jesuit Fathers, and the writings of 
Charlevoix, form the chief light to illustrate this. interesting period. Of 
the families of the original French settlers, a few desccndents remain, 
some conspicuous in our State history. To recover every book, manu- 
script and tradition relating to that interesting period — verifying facts, 
and illustrating history — merits well our early care. 

SECOND PEKIOD. 

Of this period, including the British occupation of the territory and 
rule of the unwilling and feeble French colonists, its conquest by George 
Hogers Clarke, and its subsequent settlement by emigrants, chiefly from 
the states of the South, with the attendant horrors of Indian war, in 
which the names of St. Clair, Harmar and Wayne became famous, but 
little information has yet been published. The hero of that period — 
George Rogers Clarke — deserves to be better known ; so brave in war, 
so adroit and commanding in Indian council, the idol of his soldiers, and 
the object of admiration and awe to the rude savages. Seldom can a 
finer trait of soldierly devotion and disinterestedness be found, than in 
the act recorded by Major Denny, (whose valuable narrative of the In- 
dian wars of Harmar, Wayne, etc., was not long since published.*) 
Clarke's victorious forces were at Vincennes, pinched with famine, and 
in utter destitution. After repeated entreaties by his agents to the Vir- 
ginia government for immediate supplies, a messenger arrives, bringing, 
not food for his starving followers, but a sword for himself— the tribute 
of honor awarded by Virginia for his bravery. The disappointed Gen- 
eral, in the presence of his troops, takes the sword, thrusts it to its hilt 
into the soil he had conquered, breaks it, and indignantly throws away 
the handle, exclaiming " I asked Virginia for bread, she has sent me a 
mj)ordr There are tliose yet living, (few indeed, and swiftly passing 
away,) whose memories and traditions of this period should be at once 
put on record. A few such this Society possesses. It asks more, through 
the generous aid of its friends residing at the distant posts of our early 
settlements. 

* In the collections of the Pennsylvania Historical Society. 



10 



THIRD AND LASTPERIOD. 

Tills period, covering (since 1809,) a period of less than two genera- 
tions — much less than the ordinary duration of' a single human life — so 
marvelous in its results, so imposing in its promise, exhibiting the sud- 
den and gigantic uprising of a feeble territory of about ten thousand, to 
assume already the fourth place in the roll of American states ; with ikJ 
production, commerce, navigation and system of internal improvements^' 
for the facilitation of its trade and exchanges, the magnitude of which is.', 
yet but inadequately conceived — surely the historical record and solution l- 
of such a phenomenon in the annals of nations, is of vast interest, not to 
ourselves only, but to mankind. 

Great results imply commensurate causes. Where and what are the 
hidden springs of enterprise, intelligence and energy that have prompted ;,.: 
and achieved a consummation so grand, so complicated, so successful, so ^ 
rich in future promise? It was surely from a ver}^ inadequate idea of ^• 
the ends and province of history, that a historian of Illinois" should ex- |_ 
cuse himself for writing only of '•'■small men and little events^^ on the t 
plea that he had nothing else to write ahout. The truly great men of \ 
Illinois — for such there are and have been — may yet be found and recog- | 
nized, though sometimes unadorned with the robes of power, and their | 
names unblazoned in the records of their contemporaries. \ 

The collection of the historical materials of the past fifty years has \ 
engaged the first attention of this Societj^ without limiting them exclu- ' 
sively to Illinois. The full statistics of Western development are yet 
unknown, because uncollected ; nor can this vast productive region of 
America, of such growing importance to the nations, adequately appre- 
ciate its own political position, relations, interests and rights — hitherto 
so little esteemed and regarded — until the complete facts, in its growth, 
production, and particular relations of commerce with other parts of this 
country, and with foreign nations,f are brought into full view. To 
secure such a result, at the earliest day, has been, and will continue to 
be a prominent aim of its operations. Its success herein has already 
surpassed its hopes. It needs, as it asks, the encouraging assistance of 
every state of the ^Northwest, that its end of general good may be fully 
achieved. The West is most just to the beneficent Union of these 
states — to our common country — when it is just to itself. Diversities 
of interest most harmonize, for the general good, where each is ade- 
quately cared for and maintained. 

The history of Illinois for the last half century, embraces many con- 
spicuous points of inquiry. The names, antecedents and fortunes of its 
first settlers — the first planting of its churches, schools, trades, etc. — its 
early territorial government, legislation and history — its first and suc- 

* Ex Governor Ford. History of Illinois. 

f The force of this allusion will be understood, when it is stated, that the grain-producing 
states of the West pay yearly, to France, about ten millions of dollars for French fabrics ( not 
including duties, transportation and profits,) while France, in 1856 received of western pro- 
ducts to nn amount less than three millions of dollars, falling, the following year, to less than 
three hundred thousand dollars. The former amount is the exception, the latter is the rule. 
(U. S. Com. andNav.) 



n 

ccedinc^ conditional conventions — its canals, railroads," ^vitll the unfortu- 
nate projected Pjsteni of internal improvements, so disastrous to ]>rivate 
fortunes and the public credit — its connexions with the war of 1812, the 
"Blackhuwk" war, and the existing national struirglc, so saddening to 
the patriot, j-et so eventful in its consequences — its so-called " Conven- 
tion " movement, some forty years past — its troubles with the Mormons 
of Hancock county, and their final expulsion — these, with numerous 
other points of attractive interest — and not least, ike men conspicuous 
in their history, and largelj' influencing events — are all worthy ot atten- 
tion ; nor have any of them escaped the Society's notice. 

Besides collecting more or less sources of information in print on these 
subjects, the Society is indebted to several distinguished citizens of Illi- 
nois for extended papers ou the "Convention" movement — to Messrs. G. 
Churchill, W. II. Brown, H. AVarren and R. Blackwell, for notices of 
the first " newspapers " of the Territory and State ; memoirs have been 
secured of Morris Birkbeck, by Ex-Governor Coles — of Daniel P. Cook, 
by W. H. Brown — of the English Colony, at Albion, by the late \ene- 
rated George Flower — while of the late Governor IS. Edwards, an 
extensive and elaborate memorial has been prepared, at the Society's 
request, by M]-. Ninian W. Edwards, his son. A history of Hancock 
county and the Mormons, in preparation by the late esteemed Dr. E. 
James, of Iowa, was left unfinished, at his recent lamented death, 
which, it is hoped, may be continued by other hands ; while memorials 
of the late Judge Pope, a name deserving lasting honor — with others, 
have been promised from competent hands. 

In addition to the numerous manuscripts above indicated, the Society 
possesses original notices of the first settlement of several localities, inclu- 
ding Edwardsville, in Madison county — the original account books, etc., 
of the late John Kinzie — Indian Agent at Chicago — from 1084, the 
gift of Mr. John II. Kinzie, his son ;t an extensive and unpublished 
topographical sketch of the Northwest, in 1812, together with other 
miscellanies of historical value, which cannot be particularized. The 
Society will hold in esteem any donations of diaries, letters, notes or 
papers, of any kind — relics of the past — with which the good-will of the 
citizens of Illinois may favor them. 

In Jioticing this period of our history, a just tribute should be paid to 
the patriotic and valued services of the late llev, J. M. Peck, Gov. Rey- 
nolds, Judge Brown, and Gov. Ford, in their contributions to the history 
of our State. . The graphic delineations of pioneer life, by Gov. Iley- 
nclds, will have an enduring place in American history ; while the labo- 
rious and successful collection of the " Western Annals," by Dr. Peck, 

*• The ten railroads ccnterin<:f at Chicago, have cost over one hundred and thirty-eight mil- 
liona of dollars — oiie-eijlith of the entire railroad capital of the United States. 

\ The valuable account books of Mr. Kinzie commence at St. Joseph, Sept. 30, 1803 ; then 
at '' Chicagou," May 12, 1804. The massacre in 1812, caused the entire depopuhilion of the 
place, whose trade was resumed, after the peace of 1815. These book* show that a larger 
uade e.\isted at Chicago, before the war of 1812, than afterward, until 1832. Before 1812, 
Mr. Kinzie sent large adventures to Milwaukee, Kankakee, Rock River, and among the Kika- 
poos, as well as to Peoria, receiving large invoices of peltries in return — in some in?tance8 
amounting to 9 to 10,000 dollars. The Choteau family, of St. Louis, sent peltries, via Chicago, 
to Detroit, which Mr. Kinzie transported by teams across the portage, (Portage des Chenea,) 
from the Des Plaines to the Chicago river. 



12 

leaves ns the sole regret, that the important collection of original mate- 
rial of Illinois history made by him should have been consigned, for its 
iiture custody, to the people oi' another state! 

As early as 1827, "The Antiquarian and Historical Society of Illinois" 
was organized at Yandalia, the proceedings of whose first meeting, with 
the address by Judge Hall, we have yet in print. The effort proved 
abortive. 'Not long after 1840, the "Illinois Literary and Historical 
Society" was formed at Alton, whose labors, assisted b_y Dr. Peck, 
Messrs. Cyrus, Edwards, M. G. Atwood and other public-spirited citi- 
zens, were continued for several years ; and are not, it is hoped, yet 
permanently suspended. The "Pioneer Meetings" and assemblages of 
"Old Settlers," extensively practiced in this State, have done much to 
develop facts and awaken interest, in relation to local history. In a 
few instances county histories have been prepared — as in the case of the 
counties of Ogle, Putnam, Marshall, Lake, etc., which have made es- 
teemed contributions to our historical knowledge. To the State historian 
such contributions are invaluable. The history of the whole is made up 
of the history of the parts. It should be matter of pride to every town- 
ship, to every county, to inscribe its annals on the historic page. The 
neglect leaves the presumption, that the locality has nothing worthy of 
notice, in men, achievements or events. Every locality is made known 
by its published history. Is it not due to posterity, not to leave them 
in ignorance of the brave and enterprising men, and stirring movements, 
which have ushered into the communion of states our great and noble 
commonwealth ? 

It may be proper to state, that since the foundation of this Society, in 
April, 1856, its meetings have been regularly held, and its operations 
continued, at an annual cost to its members of about fifteen hundred 
dollars. It congratulates itsel Ton being free of debt, while its collec- 
tions are daily and freely open to the public, without charge. It is hon- 
ored with relations of friendly communication and exchange with the 
principal institutions and public libraries of the United States, which it 
hopes early to extend to the learned societies of foreign countries. It 
has sought to encourage, by such aid as was in its power, those arts 
which embellish and adorn society; and the first public exhibition of 
paintings and statuary, in this State, was successfully opened under its 
auspices, in the spring of 1859*. 

It confidently commends the objects of public good it seeks to pro- 
mote, to the good-will and aid of the people of Illinois. 

The undersigned has the honor to accompany, with this report, the 
affidavit of the President, as required by the statute under which this 
report is presented. 

All which, by the Society's direction, is most respectfully submitted. 



Chicago, Decefiiber 15, 1862. 



WILLIAM BAEEY, Secretary. 



* Over 12,000 persons visited the collection, opened about six weeks ; and the net sum of 
over $800, received from the exhibition, was appropriated for the encouragement of the fine 
arts. 



13 

State of Illinois, | 
Cook County. \ ^^' 
Walter L. Newberry, of the city of Chicago, in said county and State, 
being duly sworn, deposes and says, that lie is President of the Chicago 
Historical Society, and that ho knows, of his own personal knowledge, 
that a sum of money, exceeding five hundred dollars, has been raised 
and expended, since the first day of December, A. D. 1860, in and for 
the business and management of said Society. 

W. L. XEWBEKRY. 

Subscribed and sworn to, before mc, this 1st day of December, A. D. 
1862. 

L. PKOUDFOOT, IS^otary Pahlic. 



CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY 



ORGANIZATION, 1862-3. 



,»Pir=!.nrNT —WALTER L. NEWBERRY, Esq. 
vSRE';DFNrs.-noN. W. B. OGDEN, GEORGE MANIERRE. 
Treasurkr.— FRANKLIN SCAMMON, M. D. 
Recordinc, Skcketart and Ltbrarian.— WILLIAM BARRY. 
Corresponding Secretary.— E. B. McCAGG, Esq. 



COMMITTEES OF BUSINESS. 

On Consdlutlon and £>/-Lau'S.-msBrs. I. N. Arnold, Y. D. Higgins, J. Y. Scainmon, G. 
Manicire, T. Hoyue. ,, ^ -,, n 

Fuincalion.-UessTS. S. W. Fuller, W. Barry, E. B. MeCngg. _ 
i^mance —Messrs. W. L. Newberry, W- H- Brown, C. H. McCormiolJ. 
Library.— Messrs. E. B. McCagg, S. C. Griggs, E. W Jones. 
Mmmaiions.-Ucssis. II. G. Loomis, W. Blair, B. W. Raymond. 
InvesimenU.-Messvs. J. Y. Scammon, H. T. Diekey, E. B. McCagg. 



COMMITTEES OF RESEARCH AND CORRESFONDENCE. 

On Aboriginal History, c^e.-Messrs. W. B. Ogden, H-T- Dickey, E.B McCagg J H. Kinzie. 
Furovean Discovery, cc.-Uc^svs. W. Barrv, M. D. Ogden, S. W. Fuller, B. t- Culver 
SS4.-M s rs. W. H. Brown, J. Y. Scammon, J. L. Stark, H. II. Magk^ W. H. Osborn._ 
FcclesiLiicd nistory.-Mes,ns. W. Barry, Rt. Rev. B. P. Duggan, R. W. Patterson, R. H. 

^^'Sm'; Artandlndusiry.-MessTs. F. Scammon, C. H. Ray, H. A. Johnson, J. H. Foster, 

^' LHerature —Messrs. C. Bcntly, E. B. ,Talcott, H. G. Miller, W. Bross. ^ „ .,. . 

CrofChicano -Messrs. H. Farnum, G. F. Rumsey, W. Blair, J. H. Dunhani^ J H. Km/.e. 

S?/i^. -Messrs. E. B. McCagg, M. Skinner. W. Barry, I. N. Arnold, G. F. Rumsey, E. 
H. Sheldon, W. S. Gurnce, W. L. Newberry, D. J. Ely. 



N. B. The Society's rooms-in Newberry's building, corner of North Wells and Kinzie 
streets (thi.d story)-are daily open to the public, (Sundays excepted,) ^''^^ 1\« f jf ^ f^ 
M. to 3 P. M. Packages sent by express, with the Society's address, as above, will be duly 
receiTcd. 



■^^^i^. 2^ ISCf, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 097 368 7 jk 



